#Madril

[yumeneko-hb]

作戦会議🕯(2024.1.12)

[hyperfixationsstation]

ok but with a proper coach this will be a TEAM 😮‍💨

[misskelley]

Madril has Sonnets shoulder to waist ratio and it’s doing things to me.

[arnau16]

Las 12 estrellas del NWSL Draft y sus explosivos 'trades'

Las 12 estrellas del NWSL Draft y sus explosivos ‘trades’

La juventud no se negocia, el talento se ha vuelto cultura y el Draft de la NWSL no deja de sorprender sacando estrellas a la luz Continue reading Untitled

[pensat-i-fet]

El docu de Amazon se tenía que haber llamado "un equipo llamado Españita". O Ejpañita 😅 más auténtico.

[deadlandsqueen]

YOOOOOOOOOO I LOVE YOUR ART STYLE!! IS BEAUTIFUL!!

Do you have more doodles of Madrill & Gibbon? 🥺

Ahhh thank you :"D

and ahhhhh I have been adding them in tiktoks but for you I'll happily doodle them

I went off of vibes

mandrill turned into older sister vibes for Wukong. Gibbon is still precious

[overthinkinglotr]

“The dwarf breathes so loud we could’ve shot him in the dark 😤” — Haldir

“You’ll go faster with just two.” “But papa says Eothain cannot ride Garulf! He is too big for him!” — Morwen and Freda

“You are our king, sire.”— Gamling when the king asks him “who am I, Gamling”

“AHHHHH”- Háma being eaten by a warg

“The men say we will not live out the night…they say that it is hopeless :(“— Haleth

“You know the laws of this country, the laws of your father! If you let them go your life will be forfeit.” - Madril

*horse sounds* — Brego

“We have some nice cozy hobbit sized rooms available! Always proud to cater to little folk…” — Butterbur

“Get out of my field!” — Farmer Maggot

[video-game-jams]

Okage: Shadow King - Theme of Madril

[pippersmcgee]

im afraid everyone in madril is suffering from lead poisoning

[artisticlegshake]

THE DANCE AWARDS LAS VEGAS 2024

PEEWEE SOLOS:

1st Sailor Stormoen - LARKIN JP!

2nd Reagan Tannehill - CLUB DANCE JP!

2nd Isabella Rose Fernandez - DANCE TOWN JP!

2nd Hallee Anderson - LARKIN JP!

3rd Scarlett Brenly - DC2 JP!

4th Emersyn Varker - CLUB DANCE JP!

4th Stella Ames - LARKIN JP!

4th Savannah Brenly - DC2 JP!

4th Danielle Brotherton - ARTISTIC FUSION JP!

5th Jade Glyzinski - LARKIN JP!

6th Ginny Salinas - LARKIN JP!

6th Teresa Nan - CSPAS JP!

7th Jayda Cook - CSPAS JP!

8th Juliana Philippi - LARKIN JP!

8th Kylie Chaytor - THE COMPANY SPACE JP!

8th Claire Hansen - LARKIN JP!

9th Lucy Nemirovsky - EXPRESSENZ JP!

10th Audrina Beall - ARTISTIC FUSION

10th Londyn Springer - CSPAS

10th Millie Madrill - ARTISTIC FUSION

[nikosheba]

Okay but. you guys know this scene right.

i HAVE to talk about this.

because we’re so used to the beautiful way it’s cut. Faramir brings in the hobbits, he says to take them to Denethor, that he’s sending a “mighty gift.” But shit goes down and he thinks better of it and lets them go. This is intercut with Sam’s magnificent speech about Some Good In This World That’s Worth Fighting For and the victory at Helm’s Deep and Isengard being obliterated by Ents. 

but

the thing is

if you cut out the other scenes

and JUST look at what’s happening in Osgiliath

this is what happens word for word:

Faramir: Take them to my father. Tell him Faramir sends a mighty gift. A weapon that will change our fortunes in this war. Sam: Do you know why your brother died? He tried to take the Ring from Frodo! After swearing an oath to protect him, he tried to kill him!* The Ring drove your brother mad. Scout: NAZGÛL! Frodo: [walks slowly up a bridge to stare at a Nazgûl] Sam: [tackles him] Frodo: [draws Sting] Sam: It’s me. It’s your Sam. Don’t you know your Sam? Frodo: I can’t do this, Sam. Sam: I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn’t. They kept going because they were holding on to something. Frodo: What are we holding on to, Sam? Sam: That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for. Faramir: I think at last we understand each other, Frodo Baggins. Madril: You know the laws of this country, the laws of your father. If you let them go, your life is forfeit. Faramir: Then it is forfeit.

OKAY. SO. Being intercut with the other scenes REALLY gives this one a boost because I didn’t realize how weird this is until this most recent viewing which has to be like my 40th time through. 

Faramir has made his choice and then he sees Sam tackle Frodo and make a nice speech and then he says I think we understand each other Frodo Baggins???? What EXACTLY has this taught him about Frodo that’s worth ALLOWING HIS FATHER TO EXECUTE HIM (according to this nebulous “give me the ring or else” law Denethor supposedly has in place)???? Like he just sees Frodo being wet and pathetic at Sam and is like “hold on I have to rethink my entire life”?????? He genuinely goes from “Take them to my father, I’m sending a mighty gift” to “AH NOW I UNDERSTAND” in 5 minutes and explicitly seems to understand FRODO after hearing Sam make a speech at him??

how did I never notice this before it’s driving me crazy i’ve been thinking about this for 6 weeks

* Asterisk because Sam, one, you don’t actually know how Boromir died so that was a weird power play, and two, if we know that Faramir ALSO doesn’t know how Boromir died it occurs to me that it kind of sounds like Sam is saying, “Yeah, I did it, I stabbed your brother for coming after Frodo and I’ll stab you too, Legs.”

[8bitdropkick]

Kevin Von Erich vs. Al Madril

[alldancersaretalented]

Duos/Trios 23/24

Here's a small collection of Duos/Trios sorted by dance studio!

4PM Dance:

Mila Madriles, Kennadie Wright - Hey Mickey

Avi's Dance Project:

Aubree Ginter, Coraline McClintock - Only Hope

Terryn Jackson, Sydney Williams - Let Me Think

Christine He, Nicole He - Home

Mariah Merrigan, Kaydence Thomas - Secret Symphony

Aubrey Avila, Alyssa Garay - Islands

Molly Croll, Ella Siders - Stand By Me

Evianna Granado, Ana Roman - We'll Be Fine

Alexa Estep, Caylin Garcia - Song For You

Bobbie's School of Performing Arts:

?? - Not A Mountain

?? - Don't Give Me Up

?? - Life's What You Make It

?? - LiourI

?? - Only Ever Loved Your Ghost

?? - I'm Through

Canadian Dance Company:

Ellianna Buck, Olivia Colozza, Delia Wu - Freeway

Emma Lee, Emma Phillippe, Stella Savage - On Broadway

Olivia Colozza, Filip Lipiec - Hard To Handle

Alexandra de Groot, Kadence Wright, Clara Zhao - Snowing

Callista Crowe, Damian Shillis - Every Little Thing

Jessica Battley, Kadence Wright - Swing Phenomenon

Jessie Alfaro Kazula, Sabrina Digings - Feet Don't Fail Me Now

Ryan Blackburn, Callista Crowe - Anything You Can Do

Damian Shillis, Sophia Van Haastrecht - Last Night

Cydnee Abbott, Chloe Greenfield, Sadie Wen - Mind-Link

David Blackburn, Arianna Frano - Moves Like Jagger

Therese Marie Adap, Sadie Wen, Avery Yoo - Aaab

Therese Marie Adap, Oliwia Lipiec, Avery Yoo- Contra

Aliyah Demone, Irene Rose Santos, Analia Theofilopoulos - Glitch

Ella Boughner, Lauren Gibbon, Anna Volkova - Drive

Lauren Gibbon, Olivia Granic, Gabriella Seixeiro- TBA

Lauren Gibbon, Brandon Yoo- Die Trying

Olivia Granic, Gabriella Seixeiro - On The Jazz Four

Center Stage Performing Arts Studio:

Addalyn Daley, Coco Gonzales, Ivy McEwan - Run The World

Kate Baker, Violet Schwarz, Anistyn Larsen - The Grudge (Shannon Mather)

Kylie Lawrence, Elliana Wilson - Say A Little Prayer

Tessa Ohran, Rory Frye, Hadlee Heriford - We Could Stay (Noelle Marsh)

?? - Evening Ceremony

?? - Inside

Club Dance Studio:

Ellary Day Szyndlar, Sylvie Win Szyndlar - Dreamscapes (Jenn Peterson)

Ellary Day Szyndlar, Sylvie Win Szyndlar - La Rapture (Brady Farrar)

Danceology:

Amelia Principe, Annalisa Francis, Mackenzie Hammer - Diamonds

?? - Big Love

?? - Party Girls

Penny Harris, Brody Schaffer - My Girl

?? - Nana's Flowers

Aspen Bloem, Annelise Hseih, Ryee Kameya - Funk Soul Brother

?? - Tres Chicas

?? - Tick Tick Boom

?? - Rhythm X 2

Dance Deluxe:

Haven Bryan, Adriana Houlihan, Adaline Louderback - You're Invited

Allie Aston, Livian Bailey, Lily Conaway - Hollywood

Jake Roberts, Stella Roberts - We Go Together

Emerson Mullan, Avery Stephens, Adelina Quintanilla - Hocus Pocus

Brighton Taylor, Briele Bailey, Remi Skidmore - Big Finish

Kamdyn Arnold, Haylie Birchman, Aracely Lee - Snap

Eva Gonzalez, Remi Skidmore - Snowing

Gage Davis, Vanessa Soto - Somebody

Gage Davis, Vanessa Soto - Falling Slowly

Dance Enthusiasm:

Liesl Dowdy, Margot Phelps - Shake Your Groove Thing

Kayleigh Stoler, Violet Werner - Sign Of The Times

Julia Visan, Olivia Visan - Optical Prism

Shelby Ellis, Kayleigh Stoler - Made For You

Olivia Visan, Violet Werner - Explosion

Jazmine Raine Werner, Violet Werner - Time

Amelia Gonzales, Kayleigh Stoler - Dream On

Malia Gazda, Paige Kim - Falling Leaves

Shelby Ellis, Janea Latimer - Let Me Follow

Taelyn Albrecht, Paige Kim - Refugees

Taelyn Albrecht, Jazmine Raine Werner - One Sec

Taelyn Albrecht, Alexa Lynn - Carry You

Christina Kalafatis, Emily Zolla - Hocus Pocus

Dance Precisions:

Aliyana Denham, Aniyia Ortega, Kennedy Wong - Think

Everly Park, Skylie Schreppel, Grecia Underwood - Like This Like That

Emma Orr, Xara Sakhrani, Charlotte Stirling - Shake Your Tailfeather

Elleyna Kadera, Raegan Wendell - I Feel Good

Sydney Ko, Londyn Nevois - Nowadays

Dance Town:

Belle Marie Arauz, Amanda Carpenter - My Dolphin And Me

Krystal Alvarez, Luna Santana, Arantza Sardinha - Con Altura

?? - Without You

Elektro Dance Academy:

Niah Corpeno, June Townley - Butterfly

Elite Dance Pro:

Peyton De La Cerda, Valynnita Mei, Alice Yan - Forget About That Boy

Alexa Schwarze, Summer Skousen, Chloe Tarwater - Fleur

Olivia Quintana, Ella Rempfer, Charlotte Woodside - Bang Bang

Carlin Ciocchetti, Lily Douglas, Sophia Schiano - To Falter

Elite Danceworx:

?? - Life Is Circles

?? - Make It Matter

?? - Cranes In The Sky

?? - Third Dream

?? - Free To Form

?? - All In The Same Breath

?? - The Beauty of Dissolving Portraits

Epic Dance Complex:

?? - Let You Know

Evolve Dance Company:

Olivia Bennett, Adeline Vogt - Wash That Man

George Grech, Jaydnn Mendez - Creeks

Alexa Kunishige, Ava Sparks - Thousand Eyes

George Grech, Vivian Grech - Groove Is In The Heart

Ava Banuelos, Sienna Thor - Don't

Trinity Hastings, Tanziana Contino, Viviana Contino - Iris

Evolve Dance Complex:

Dylann Sebes, Brynley Brett - It's Raining Men

Jossi Josephic, Hallie Oberhofer, Deanna Tierno - Bites The Dust

Ella Martindale, Natalie Vinton - Sweet Dreams

Kyleigh Harbarger, Lola Rodi - Adios To You

Andrew Spalvieri, Abby Spalvieri - Devil Went Down To Georgia

Cami Vorhees, Elyse Wingertsahn - Stay Away

Samuel Evans, Onna Williams - Implacable Hearts

Evoke Dance Movement:

?? - Boogie Shoes

?? - About Today

?? - Come Let Us

Imperial Dance:

Malia Gandy, Dayana Hernandez, Sophia Solano - Took The Night

Isabella Cruz, Eliyan Rall, Zarielle Trimmings - Call Me Mother

Myla Durand, Anaya MIchell, Sofia Velazquez - Run To You

Aria Edmond, Sarai Trimmings, Savannah Yard - Secure The Bag

Sophia Basso, Sophia Solano - Mini Me

Leyla Bedoya, Marley Cheron, Gabriella Cuadrado - This Woman's Work

Aryanna Anujar, Sophia Basso, Hannah Galantai - Amor

Marlon Cheron, Layla Hernandez, Arianna Velazquez - Love Me Or Leave Me

K2 Studios:

Emery Cordero, Rylai Orozco - Safe And Sound

Belle Anguiano, Sadie Anguiano - Beautiful Thing

Juniper Balatero, Rosalind Balatero - Stand By Me

Lilly Douglas, Penelope Lee - Breakin Dishes

Ella Cordero, Alani Hernandez, Jiselle Saavedra - Dem Girlz

Riley Fernandez, Nicholas Turner - I Follow

Jessica Sutton, Rebecca Sutton - Fix You

Adiyah Ayres, Kynzli Reece - Madness

Ariana Gomez, Neriah Karmann, Nicholas Turner - Unbreak

Neriah Karmann, Abby Viramontes - Save Me

Alex Almeida, Zoey Garcia - River

Love Acierto, Alex Almeida, Jordan Wallace - Be Alright

Tessa Andelkovic, Jade Castaneda - Monsters

Larkin Dance Studio:

Stella Ames, Jade Glyzinski, Harper Kill - How Long Will I Love You

Hallee Anderson, Gigi Shea, Sailor Stormoen - Bird On A Wire

Elia Cocchiarella, Eleanor Lamers - Checkerboard

Savannah Jackson, Maylin Munos, Neala Murphy - Dream

Matinly Conrad, Chase Lang - When I Was Your Man

Evie McCune-Barrett, Truett Ziemke - As Long As You Love Me

Lexie Charnstrom, Scarlett Manzel, Evie Mccune-Barrett - Change

Maddie Kulenkamp, Brody Lanoux - Mr. Postman

Mila Ayshford, Tillie Kuhl, Palmer Peltier - The Trumpet In My Head

Lilly Anderson, Bella Charnstrom, Malia Scott - Too Tightly

Jemma Eisenbrei, Mia Kostinovski, Hailey Turnbull - Gold

Finley Ashfield, Kelsie Jacobson, Savannah Manzel - Picture Perfect

Sienna Powers, Hazel Semans, Savannah Werner - A Noise I Once Heard

Belle Hughes, Maizie Hughes - Near Me

Erik Barker, Laci Bloss - To The Moon

Lola Boisen, Sarah St Cyr - Twilight

Matissa Conrad, Tahari Conrad, Ava Rothmund - Eternal Voice

Kate Monge, Giselle Mourad, Harlow Pike - To One's Perception

Laci Bloss, Daphnie Braun, Kira Riessner - Allure

Caleb Abea, Keira Redpath - Empty Apology

Isabella Jarvis, Claire Monge, Keira Redpath - Stuck In Pause

Miami Dance Company:

Varia Mari, Brooke Martin, Kylie Sanchez - Rise Together

Michelle Latimer Dance Academy:

Lindsey Gruidel, Tatum Jackson, Savanna Pitcher - Deeper Love

Lindsey Gruidel, Tatum Jackson, Savanna Pitcher - What It Means To Be Human

Murrieta Dance Project:

Rylan Ashley, Sierra Koops - That Beautiful Sound

Lily Dejoya, Carter Ruiz - Total Eclipse

Brooklyn Coronado, Jaclyn Coronado - Can't Let Go

N10:

Kailyn Nong, Emma Vianzon - When Doves Cry

Juliana Kang, Emmersyn Van - Little Fluffy Clouds

New Level Dance Company:

Gisele Alpendre, Haley Raines - Wherever You Will Go

Francesca Caputo, Harper Stein - Until We Bleed

Natalie Frantzen, Noelle Klug - Fix You

Charlotte Danford, Beata Polunin - Paint It Black

Brooklyn Bailey, Sabryn Stein - Tragedy

Marisa Bruno, Ainsley Rice - Black Car

Charlotte Dister, Taylor Lapointe - Selah

Elle Bonner, Myiah Brown - Awards Night

Noretta Dunworth School of Dance:

Ella Saad, Sophie Saad - Venus

Lily Marshall, Daisy Nuznov - Carry Me

Maria Carpenter, Camille Moore - ??

Stella Bennett, Sophia Cialkowski - ??

Isabella Jaczynski, Danica Lentz - Tumbling Lights

Lily Saad, Mila Saad - Ain't Nothing Wrong With That

?? - Last Goodbye

?? - Lucky Ladies

?? - Big Finish

thanks!

Orange County Performing Arts Academy:

Bailey Chalmers, Kiera Simon - What's On The Menu

Everleigh Alonzo, Annabelle Bright, Camila Valdez - Emergency

Harper Bridge, Elle Dahl, Raegan Gold - Conga

Olivia Montano, Hayden Peterson, Parker Seymour - Space Jam

Elizabeth Leiter, Hannah Wright - Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better

PAVE School of the Arts:

Aniston Maurer, Lola Mesa, Sophia Smith - Mr. Postman

Claire Devine, Emma Wishart - Showtime

Ashlynn Fairfield, Rebecca Kessler - Dancing Machine

Annelise Chan, Kirsten Kim - Zero To Hero

Stella Fisk, Emi Hoang - Creep (Sasha Dee)

Stella Fisk, Emi Hoang - Tightrope

Kensington Arrendondo, Talia Donaldson, Kassidy Luong - Diamonds

Paisley Branch, Kira Guchko - Angels

Kaylee Baldwin, Kaylee Townsend - Women Be Wise

Hayden Calder, Wavy Hazen - Nowadays

Joah Moore, Bryn Zimmerman - Look

Charlotte Minhas, Phoebe Black - Gimme Gimme

Oliver Hincy, Olivia Battle - Moving Pictures

Adriana Krall, Alexa Krall - It's All Coming Back To Me

Emersyn Fee, Sienna Hardin - Everytime It Rains

Kailey Longshore, Peach MIller, Ella Smallwood - Bassline

Spree Hazen, Ava Kendall - Tell Him

Ava Zimmerman, Kate Allen - Silhouete

Project 21:

Kami Couch, Katie Couch - To Cross Paths

Renner Dance Company:

?? - End Of The Line

?? - Climb Every Mountain

?? - Pixies

Charlotte Bailey, Madeline Collier - I Enjoy Being A Girl

Charlotte Lewis, Olivia Siri - Sugar And Spice

?? - Dog Days

Leighton Crump, Seneca Hrdina - Found

Emily Fedirow, Presely Krohn - Surround You

Ella Garrett, Grace Snider - Girls Night Out

?? - Never Grow Up

Rose Mangan, Brantley Meador - Dancing On The Moon

?? - You Are My Sister

?? - In The Distance

Sophia January, Stella January - Inside

Sarah Martin Duncan, Ensley King - A Winter Story

Claire Naismith, Lauren Stubbs - Ends Of The Earth

?? - Pressure

?? - What Might Have Been Lost

?? - Still Life

Stars Dance Studio:

?? - Proserpina

?? - Rollin'

?? - Mirrors

?? - Here On This Hill

Studio 19 Dance Complex:

Frances Farone, Mackenzie Smith, Leira Wilbon - California Cuties

Brynleigh Kerestes, Kallie McKenna - Small Word

Nitalia Manilla, Alessia Price - Think

Landry Blosser, Brynleigh Kerestes - Sugar And Spice

Ashlynn Bickford, Iris Edwards, Charlotte Haas Itsy Bitsy Spider

Harper Miller, Sloane Sherrets - Opposites Attract

Scarlett Fornear, Olivia Fornear - Good Company

Maddie Maker, Sadie Vaccaro - If We Hold On Together

Maddie Chiplock, Maddie Maker, Addison Smith - Venus

Claire Osche, Grace Sypien - Holly Rock

Mila Jaymes, Brooklyn Schirripa, Evelyn Woodburn - Gonna Get Ya

Carina Lavella, ?? - Mr. Sandman

Sienna Arias, Atalia Spagnolo - State Of Shock

Tia Adams, Sienna Arias, Ella Laughlin - Meeting In The Ladies Room

Sofia Farone, Brooklyn Schirripa - Good Versus Evil

Avery Organ, Evelyn Woodburn - Sassy X's Two

Camia Adams, Kendall Nace - We're Gonna Party

Gianna Cugliari, Melanie Steed - Silent Night

Gianna Cugliari, Madison Makowski, Karsyn Schifino - Choose Your Path

Alexandra Bayles, Antonia Spagnolo, Haley Steed - Scarborough Fair

Kileigh Davison, Sophia Haas, Sophia Lapina - Bad Apples

Calista Herbst, Emma Schrock - Ashes

Haley Steed, Hannah Steed - Tappin With My Twin

Lexi Pompa, Taylor Williams - Troubled Waters

Gia Booker, Aliana Spagnolo - Running With The Wolves

Ella Barch, Keira McKenna - Carry You

Mia Jackson, Ava Means - Don't Stop The Groove

Ellie Rosenwasser, Mia Mirabile - In The Hold Of A Dream (Chelsea Jennings)

Soleil Herbst, Mia Jackson - Hold Me Down

Emily Holcomb, Becca Kohler, Allie Philips - Why

Millie Julius, Rowan Mansfield, Ciera Ragula - Islands

Haley Engelmore, Raelyn Rectemwald, Kyleigh Turner - She's Not Me (Talia Flavia)

Tessa Pagone, Madeline Schrock, Addison Vargo- Hold On Tight

Studio 702:

Grace Peralta, Kamea Solidum, Reese Tolentino - Balacobaco

Aalayah Perkins, Breanna Tenney - Belly of the Beast

Charley Lehman, Faith Letourneau - Cyber Surveillance

Redle Edler, Alysa Owen - Vulgar

Studio X Dance Complex:

Emery Bourne, Braxy Montana, Karter Strong - Proud Mary

Emma Acosta, Hannah Martinez - Free Me (Victoria Wootem)

Kambria Keegan, Berkeley McGrath - Dangerous

Berkeley McGrath, Abigail Weber - Rain

Summit Dance Shoppe:

Jemma Scates, Shayla Scates - Girls Night Out

Meadow Majkrzak, Brooklyn Peterson, Malia Reuter - Luminous

Monroe Johnson, Zoey Schelitzche,  Camryn Westrum - Best Of My Love

Katy Lawrence, Tova Thompson, Greta Wagner - Stop

Audrey Boro, Nora Turunen, Finley Weigelt - I Believe

Kinsley Fairchild, Annie Zechmeister - Carmen

Lily Buchholz, Calia McArdle, Emma Misuraco-Janish - Carry You

Temecula Dance Compancy:

Amara Fisher, Alana Kalahiki, Luke Noss - A Little Less Conversation

Bailey Dalton, Teaghan O'Reilly, Cece Radach - Calling All B.B.S.

Ava Aflague, Anaya Johnson, Ava Thammavong - Soy Yo

James Hetsko, Jocelyn Hetsko - Mr. Zoot Suit

Hudson Locke, Jake Pribyl, Vera Spencer - 3D

Audrey Fite, Piper Conway, Alyssa Vinskey - It's A Mood

Andrea Tylman, Ella Zhang - Forever Friends

Paige Caveney, Giada Gariffo, Brinleigh O'Reilly - F.U.N.

Scarlett Berroteran, Ta'ina Gonzalez, Princess Sanchez - Shake That

Kyrstin Duquid, Brooklyn Powell, Ava Radach - Scheibe

Carter Roa, Lacey Walker - I Love You But Don't Trust You

TheCREW:

?? - Diamonds

?? - Chase

?? - Skinny

The NINE Dance Academy:

Abigail Mathias, Evelyn Rego, Ella Waltman - Material Girls

Charolette Baldassarra, Laurina Lin, Gia Traficante-Petrozzi - New York New York

Sienna Di Pietro, Mia Jorge, Alina Sedova - Statues

Molly Kravetz, London Mandell, Ashley Shultz - Piano Man

Nathaniel Chua, Tristan Redly, Ashley Shultz - Is There Somebody

Emily Bertola, Jessica Brettone, Lily Kravetz - What Lies In The Balance

Nathaniel Chua, Shaunaughsey Meagher - Bound To You

The Vision Dance Alliance:

Julia Amato, Violet McGuire - Void (Jess Malafronte)

Julia Amato, Emily Polis - Willow Bends (Jess Malafronte)

Caitlyn Polis, Emily Polis - Two Organs (Jess Malafronte)

Caitlyn Polis, Maddie Polis, Emily Polis - You Are Every Memory (Jess Malafronte)

Caitlyn Polis, Hannah Beatty - Claim It (Jess Malafronte)

Caitlyn Polis, Maddie Polis - Human Touch (Jess Malafronte)

Vlad's Dance Company:

?? - Without Hesitation

?? - Not To Be Forgotten

Westside Dance Project:

Isabella Kouznetsova, Diana Kouznetsova - Cells Divide (Timmy Blankenship)

Isabella Kouznetsova, Diana Kouznetsova - Sharp Dialogue (Alina Krasovskaya)

Esme Chou, Tegan Chou - Amaru

West Florida Dance Company:

Marlow Hess, Lola Bryant - All That Jazz (Jess Disalvo)

Macey Strickland, Stella Brogan - Shot Me Down (Struther White)

Scarlett Griffin, Sophia Griffin - If I Could

Lily Hackney, Reagan Hess, Desa Jankes - Movies (Jess Disalvo)

Ava Kim, Natalie Kim - Sunshine

Bella DiBenedetto, Aubrey Haugh - Swim Good

Stella Fowler, Caleb Monnell - Your Angel

Hudson Heath, Caleb Monnell, Indy Ray - Bad Romance

Woodbury Dance Center:

Ian Stegeman, Skylar Wong - Depth Over Distance

Wyatt Brisson, Klaire Simek - What Weighs Me Down

Caleigh Proulx, Samuel Sharp Jr. - Glacier

West Coast School of the Arts:

Isla Benedetti, Olivia Conner, Aubrey Minadeo - Werk

Kinsley Cooper, Larkin Low, Paige Perez - Jail House Rock

Genevieve Lee, Marlee Ninofranco - Eyes In The Back Of My Head

Lily Meghdadi, Mila Osgood - Young And Beautiful

Skylar Nixon, Dakotah Robinett - Play That Sax

Alexa Perez, Mackenzie Perez - Opening Up

McKinley Barragan, Kensie Lee, Ayla Mohtashami - In The Zone

Madison Fontanilla, Marlee Ninofranco - Journey Of You And I

Lyric Low, Camdyn Mitchell, Makayla Tran - Everybody Needs A Best Friend

Ally Cheung, Casey Cheung - How It Ends

Leyna Huynh, Sophia Thayer-Pham - Move

Ally Cheung, Gabi D'Ambra, Sophia Oppegard - Poison And Wine

Yoko's Dance and Performing Arts Academy:

Priscilla Huang, Isabelle Shi, Grace Yan - Firework

Arielle Konaris, Anaya Seals, Avery Yamaguchi - I'll Get You Home

Michelle C. Wang, Alexander Wang - Why Don't You

Kaelani Carlson, Isabel Dela Cruz - When The Party's Over

Fiona Wu, Raina Wu - Bitter And Sweet (Megan Ellis)

Avery Du, Grace Koo - Black Horse And A Cherry Tree

Samantha Tan, Isabelle Tang - How To Save A Life

[middleearthpixie]

Living Proof ~ Chapter Fourteen

Summary: When he puts himself between the Uruk-hai and Merry and Pippin, Boromir knows it means sacrificing himself. But it also means redemption for his near betrayal of Frodo and the Fellowship, and so it is a price he is more than willing to pay.

Kaia has been on her own for as long as she can remember, having escaped a terrible life in a village not far from Mordor. When she hears the sounds of battle, she knows what it means and when she ventured forth and finds a gravely wounded man lying amongst the leaves and debris, she takes him in, not knowing he is actually the son of the steward of Gondor.

Angry at himself and faced with a long road to recovery, Boromir does not make things easy on Kaia and it is only through her own sheer will that she does not give into the urge to hit him over the head with something on a daily basis. That refusal to give up brings about changes neither one of them could have foreseen.  She just wanted to save him. She never thought he would save her in return…

Fandom: The Lord of the Rings (AU, Boromir lives)

Pairing: Boromir x ofc Kaia 

Warnings: Some battle violence (nothing graphic, I promise)

Rating: T 

Word Count: 4.5k

Tag List: @sotwk @heilith @fizzyxcustard @evenstaredits @way-too-addicted-to-fandoms @emmyspov @finnofamerica @lathalea @ass-deep-in-demons @quiall321 @mistofstars @justfollowtheroad @guardianofrivendell @glassgulls @doctorwhump @kmc1989 @estethell @emrfangirl @emmanuellececchi

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Previous chapters can be found here.

Kaia sank onto the edge of a broken stone at the top of the parapet and sighed softly as Madril asked, “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” she said, looking up at him. It was a lie, of course. The moment she heard Boromir’s name, and then his voice, her stomach had been a mess of jumbles and knots. And when she met his gaze… her heart beat so fast and with such force, she thought for a moment she might faint. 

But then those gray-blue eyes narrowed and his gaze pierced right through her. The anger practically radiated from him and while she couldn't fault him at all, it did surprise her that he was so angry. She’d always thought that men easily separated emotion from the physical and that he would be just as glad to not have her clinging to him, begging for a future with him. But then again, her experience with men was on the limited side, and none she’d ever known were anything like Boromir. Not by half.

She hadn’t expected him to speak to her. In fact, she thought he might just shove past her and go on his way. And now that he had spoken, she almost wished he hadn’t. Almost.

She stared toward the doorway where she’d last seen him. Part of her hoped the halflings had too far a head start on him, that he’d give up and return to Osgiliath. But that was only simply so she didn't worry about him, about something terrible befalling him. 

“If you don’t mind my saying, you look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

“No.” She shook her head. “Well, not exactly, anyway.”

“Did you know the halflings?”

“Know them? No. Know of them? Yes.” She turned completely toward him. “I know Boromir knows them, but not how or why. I’ve heard him speak of them, but he never went into detail.”

“Hmm…” Madril’s eyes narrowed slightly and she waited for him to ask her about how she knew Boromir. 

But he didn’t. Instead, he gazed out over the growing darkness, which seemed far heavier and much darker than normal. Something in the distance must’ve caught his attention, for he said, “Excuse me,” and hurried off in the opposite direction. 

Curious, she followed, coming up as Faramir joined him on the far parapet and Madril said, “It’s been very quiet across the river. The orcs are lying low. The garrison may have moved out. We’ve send scouts to Cair Andros and if the orcs attack from the north, we will have some warning.”

Orcs. Although she knew the chance of facing them grew far greater with each passing day, it didn't mean the thought did not scare her at all. She watched as Faramir’s men moved about, seemingly at random purpose, but she knew well enough they were moving into position for either watch or battle, and she strongly suspected the latter.

She was not wrong.

The first arrow took her by surprise. It swished over her head, striking one of Faramir’s men dead center in the chest, piercing his armor as if it was no thicker than a sheet of paper. He fell, clanking down the stone steps as he rolled out of sight.

“They’re not coming from the north,” Faramir said, “To the river! Quick! Go!”

Despite the roiling in her belly, despite the icy terror rushing through her veins, she followed the others to Osgiliath’s lowest level, where the river had begun to swamp it, greenish-black water swirling about the crumbling stone. Black dots danced before her eyes as she flattened herself into an alcove, just as she had done earlier, when the Nazgûl swooped overhead. 

A boat silently eased up to the stone and dropped its ramp, and orcs poured from it, splashing and sloshing their way through the fortress. Madril and Faramir were the first to leap out and attack and her hands wrapped tightly about her sword’s grips, Kaia did the same. 

Bedlam ensued. Steel met steel with deafening clangs. Men and orcs screamed as one ran the other through. Heads were removed from bodies. Arms and legs fell into the water with sickening splashes. Torsos were sliced in half, some cleanly, some not so cleanly. Orc blood, thick and black, mingled with the scarlet blood of Men as it spattered against the stone and spilled across the blocks beneath their feet. 

Kaia could barely see for the gray and gloom of night, but that didn't stop her. Her head pounded from the sounds, from the force of her blood pumping through her temples. Her arms ached from the relentless swinging, from the force of her steel striking unyielding targets, from the force required to block the blows that came her way. She moved through the gloom, ignoring the rancid black ooze of orc blood spattering across her face, pressing forward. She lost sight of Madril. Lost sight of Faramir. Could see nothing but the relentless push of orcs as more and more spilled into Osgiliath.

A hot sting swept across her right shoulder. She ignored it as she swung back with everything she had to sever the arm holding the blade that cut her. But then another blade caught her to knock her sword from her grasp and she found herself eye to eye with the creature responsible.

“Well, look here at what I found,” he sneered, lifting his blade to poke it into the hollow of her throat. 

Tears of pain stung her eyes, but she fought to keep them from falling. Her sword lay just along her left foot, but if she moved, the blade at her throat would pierce her before she got halfway to her own steel. 

Metal sliced the air and the orc’s head went flying off to his left, while his body crumpled in a heap where he’d stood. Sticky black ooze clouded her right eye, but Faramir’s voice was clear as he shouted, “Fall back! Fall back to Minas Tirith!” as he continued past her.

She snatched up her blade, dragging the back of her right hand across her face to clear her vision. A hint of panic stung her as she had no idea where Minas Tirith was in relation to where she was, but she broke into a run behind the others as they all scattered. 

Splashing through the flooded portion of Osgiliath, Kaia lost her footing more than once, but managed to remain upright as she followed the others. Her heart hammered her ribs with enough force that black dots danced before her eyes as she fought to ignore it, to ignore the burn in her lungs and in her legs. Running was never her strong suit, but her life had never depended on it nearly as much, aside from that day in the clearing, when she dragged a nearly-lifeless Boromir back from certain death. 

Dawn was breaking as they spilled forth from Osgiliath and Kaia was fairly certain her feet touched no ground as she ran across the fields. Her heart threatened to explode, her lungs threatened to seize up, and at the shriek of the Nazgûl screeched louder, she knew she stood no chance. Her legs surrendered first. She stumbled. Reeled forward. Went skidding across the ground, unable to hold back her cry of pain as her wounded shoulder took most of the brunt of her fall. Her sleeve was torn almost completely off and blood soaked the fabric as it gushed from the ugly slash. Her hand felt cold, her sword jarred free from her grasp once more, only now she couldn’t make her hand obey her and grip it once more. 

A shadow fell over her. Thunder of hoofbeats roared above her. She closed her eyes and braced herself to be trampled beneath those hooves.

The sounds of battle reached Boromir’s ears as he made his way back toward Osgiliath and as he emerged from the tunnel, and saw the empty boats, his gut twisted sharply and he slid his sword free. He didn't stop pushing forward, and unlike the last time he faced an army of orcs, he didn’t feel the sting of the arrow. All Boromir could think about was getting to Kaia. Faramir’s men were as good as his own had been, but they were still horribly outnumbered, and he knew she was there somewhere.

Then Faramir bellowed for them to fall back and without hesitation, Boromir made for the stables and he didn't care whose horse he took as he swung up onto the first saddled mount he saw. He clicked his tongue against his teeth and took off out into the coming dawn. 

The shriek of the Nazgûl made his hair stand on end and he urged his horse to run faster as the fell beast swooped down toward the Pelennor Fields, where ahead of him, the rest of Faramir’s men thundered toward Minas Tirith. He slowed down some as he caught sight of an inert figure lying face down not fifty yards ahead of him and his stomach clenched as he tugged hard on the reins and his mount slowed, then stopped. 

“Kaia!” He leaped down from the animal’a back and dropped to his knees at her side. She didn't stir. 

He wasted no time in gathering her in his arms to spirit her back to his horse, where he managed to maneuver her up into the saddle in front of him, an arm firmly about her waist as he dug his heels into the horse’s sides and they moved once more.

Dirt spattered her face, clumps of it mingled with blood dotted her glorious hair, now matted with sweat and earth. The sleeve of her tunic was shredded, her right shoulder smeared with blood, both fresh and dried, and an ugly wound along her upper arm continued to bleed freely.  

Without thinking, he cradled her closer, muttering, “We’re almost there, just a bit further. Just… hold on, love…”

A brilliant white light split the Nazgûl in two and sent them all in opposite directions, leaving a clear path all the way back to Minas Tirith and as they crossed into the White City and Boromir saw Gandalf, he couldn't believe his eyes at all. 

Kaia stirred then, lifting her head as she let out a low groan. “Who—where—how?”

“Shhh…” He tightened his arm about her. “You’re safe now.”

“Boromir?” She craned her neck to peer up at him with confused eyes. “But… how…?”

“We will talk later,” he told her softly, guiding his mount along the cobbled main road that wound up along the city’s tiers. The Houses of Healing were on the sixth level and that was where he was going. Everything else would wait for now. Faramir. His father. It would all wait.

Kaia let out a cry as he slipped from the horse and jostled her when he moved to ease her down as well. “Forgive me,” he murmured, cradling her against his chest. 

He carried her up the stairs into the Houses of Healing, where Ioreth, Minas Tirith’s healer, looked up. “Boromir? You—you’re here?”

“I am but please, any and all questions will wait for now.” 

“Yes, of course,” she gestured for him to bring Kaia over to the bed nearest the bank of windows. “Is this your squire?”

“Squire? No. She is no boy but a woman, Ioreth. Kaia.” He bent to set Kaia down on the bed. “And I owe my life to her.”

Ioreth offered up a quirked eyebrow, but all she said was, “I will tend to her. You should go and see Denethor. He’s been… not himself, these last few weeks.”

He sighed softly, drawing the back of his wrist across his forehead. “Just… just take care of her. I have to go find Faramir. When she wakes, tell her…”

“Tell her what, my lord?”

He shook his head. “Never mind. Just take care of her.”

“My lord?”

He let out a low sigh. “Just tell her I will be back.”

With that, he turned and strode back toward the doorway and without a look back, left the House of Healing. As he stepped out into the golden sunlight, he saw Faramir and with great haste, hurried to catch up with him. 

“Faramir!”

Faramir stopped and, shading his eyes with one hand, looked up. “Where did you come from?”

“Never mind that,” Boromir waved off the question as he joined them. “I thought I’d go with you to see Father, lest he not believe I actually walk amongst the living.”

“Where is Kaia? Have you seen her?”

He nodded. “She is in with Ioreth now. I imagine the infirmary will be overrun with wounded shortly.”

“She was wounded? What happened?”

“I know not. I happened upon her just over the border of the Pelennor Fields.”

“Did you talk to her?”

“No. Now, come. We’ve no time to waste on idea chatter.”

He started toward the Citadel, where he knew he’d find his father, in his chair at the foot of the black staircase that led up to the throne of the king of Gondor.

But, Faramir was nothing if not determined and as he fell into step alongside him, he said, “What happened to her?”

“I told you, I haven’t a clue. I found her lying in the field and brought her in.”

“So, wait… you simply dumped her in the infirmary?”

“Mind your own matters, little brother,” Boromir growled without looking at him. 

“Have you lost your mind?”

“This is not the time.”

“Not the—“ Faramir fell into step alongside him. “Are you a complete idiot? What could she have possibly done to make you this angry?”

Boromir was in no mood to discuss his love life or hear Faramir’s take on it, either. His stomach clenched with a worry he tried to pretend was nothing more than exhaustion as they continued on their way. “Again, mind your own matters.” 

“Mind my own—oh, fine. If that’s what you wish, far be it from me to be your blasted conscience.”

“Good. I need no conscience. I assure you, I’ve done nothing to her that shames me.”

“Why don’t I believe that?”

Now, Boromir glared at him, but Faramir simply rolled his eyes in response and hurried up the stone staircase ahead of him. 

At the top of the stone steps, they reached the courtyard and in the center of it, the Tree of Gondor, which would have been white, had it not been dead. Boromir paid neither it nor his brother and mind as he bobbed his head at the pages who silently tugged open the doors leading into Tower Hall. 

Denethor II, the Steward of Gondor, sat in his chair, scowling as always, but when he looked up, his eyes lit up as he said, “My son! I worried a terrible fate had befallen you.”

“No.” Boromir shook his head as he drew to a halt before his father. “As you can see, I am alive and in one piece.”

“But we thought…” Denethor cleared his throat and turned away for a moment. When he turned back, he brandished the halved remains of the Great Horn. “This was brought back by one of your brother’s men and I was certain it meant you were lost.”

Boromir stared at the ivory and gold pieces and slowly shook his head. “No. I was wounded, but as you can see, I still walk amongst the living.”

“It is a gift, that you are here and my greatest fear did not come to pass.” He said this with a rare smile and a warm gaze adding, “And have you—”

He paused, his cold gray eyes sliding toward Faramir, who drew up alongside Boromir. “Have you done as you were tasked?”

Boromir swallowed hard. He knew he would disappoint his father, knew Denethor would be furious and would most likely disown him when he admitted that he’d failed. But, he squared his shoulders and shook his head. “I’ve not, no.”

Denethor’s cold eyes grew colder still, looking like two slivers of iced slate. His jaw tightened. “Is that so?”

“It is. I tried. But—”

“You tried? What does that mean—you tried. You failed!”

“I did, yes. And as a result—”

“As a result, you left the Ring in the possession of a halfwit who will keep it for himself!”

“No,” Faramir broke in softly. “I do not think he will, Father.”

“Oh, you do not think he will, do you?” Those iced slate eyes slid toward Faramir. “Then you are as halfwitted as they are, for of course he will. He’d be a fool not to.”

“Father,” Boromir interrupted sharply, “I did try to take it and that halfwit outsmarted me, and when he did, I realized I was wrong. So very wrong, indeed. I was wrong to try tot take it for myself, for Gondor, and not to allow the one chosen to bear it to destroy it. And if that makes me a halfwit, then so be it. I am at peace with the fact that I failed.”

Denethor’s gaze grew colder still, colder than Boromir had ever seen. “You disappoint me, as I thought you the braver of my sons. And yet you defy me. Defy my instructions. You have proved yourself as useless and unworthy as your brother!”

“So be it.” Boromir shrugged as if his father’s words meant nothing to him, ignoring the sharp sting those words sent through him. Denethor’s disappointment was not something to which he was accustomed. Normally, Faramir bore the brunt of their father’s wrath, while Boromir tried to shield him at all turns. 

But not this time. 

“Father, to take the Ring, to bring it here, would bring about our ruin faster. This is how it must be done. And this is how it will be done.”

“Take yourself from my sight,” Denethor growled. “And take your brother with you. My sons, my heirs, and you are nothing but disappointments, both of you.”

“You will return to Osgiliath. Take it back. Then, and only then, will I even consider you my sons again.”

“Father, Osgiliath was overrun—” Faramir began.

“Take it back.” Denethor looked from him to Boromir and back. “And do not return until you do, either of you.”

Boromir stared at his father for a long moment, as if he’d never seen him before. Although he knew firsthand the pull the Ring had and would have over any Man who thought to try to possess it, he knew Denethor had no such awareness. All he cared about was what Boromir himself had cared about when he’d attacked Frodo in the clearing at Amon Hen. Power. Denethor wanted to secure his place, wanted to make certain his position never wavered, that he never had reason to fear the rightful king coming to usurp him.

He should only know that Gondor’s true leader was somewhere between Minas Tirith and Mordor, and if Aragorn should survive and return to claim his rightful place, Boromir would not hesitate to bow and acknowledge him as the King of Gondor.

“Did you hear me?”

“I did and if that’s what you wish, ” Boromir shrugged, “so be it.”

“Then we understand each other.”

“Aye, I understand.” With that, Boromir turned and stalked from Tower Hall without looking back. 

Outside, Faramir caught up to him. “You should go and see her before you go.”

“I’ll not tell you again, little brother,” Boromir growled without looking at him, “stay out of my affairs.”

“And if you do not return?”

He paused then, at the low wall at the far end of the courtyard, where he could see Osgiliath and the River Anduin. Gazing out at the sparkling water, he drew in a deep breath and let it out as a low, steady exhale. “Why does it trouble you so much?”

“Because, I think you should talk to her, that’s why.”

Overhead, clouds thickened, iron gray and heavy with the promise of rain. In the distance, the faint orange glow of the ever-watchful Eye of Sauron gleamed. A heaviness settled over Minas Tirith, one that he’d felt long before he was tasked with going to Rivendell, but had grown heavier since then. If Osgiliath remained in orc hands, it was but a matter of time before they made the march to Minas Tirith. 

“If I need advice on how to handle my life, little brother, I promise you, you will be the first one I come to. Until then, mind your own matters.”

He turned to stride toward the stairs, to return to his flat and prepare to depart Minas Tirith once more, only to have Faramir halt his stride as he called, “What did she do that was so terrible?”

Without slowing, Boromir called back, “It is none of your—”

“Concern, I know. But I saw how she looked at you and how you looked at her. Go and talk to her and tell her before it’s too late.”

“Tell her?” Now he stopped. Stopped and turned toward Faramir. “Tell her what?”

Faramir offered up a long look. “I think you know.”

“Do you? Because I assure you, I don’t.”

Rolling his eyes, Faramir snorted and replied, “Tell her you love her, you dolt. I think you’ll be surprised by her answer.”

“I don't love her,” he shook his head, “nor do I care what her answer is.”

“I saw how she looked at you.”

“And how was that? Surprised, little brother. She was surprised to see me.”

“Yes, that I saw. But, there was something else.”

“Your mind toyed with you and you saw not what you thought you did. And I’ll discuss it no more. Round up whoever you can and let them know to be ready. We leave first thing in the morning.”

“Boromir,” Faramir caught him by the arm, “go and talk to her before you leave. Just… trust me, won’t you? You will regret it if you don’t. Don't make a mistake that will haunt you for the rest of your days.”

Faramir didn't wait for his response, but hurried off to prepare for their departure, but Boromir stood there for a long while, staring out at the river, at Osgiliath. Part of him wanted to just return to his quarters and prepare to leave Minas Tirith once more, possibly for good.

But, the other part of him… 

Seeing Kaia lying so still on the battlefield had knocked the wind from him and all he could think about was getting to her. And once he had her, it took every bit of will he possessed to leave her in Ioreth’s care, even though he knew full well Kaia couldn't have been in safer hands. 

With a heavy sigh, he sank onto the edge of the low wall, hands clasped between his thighs, and he stared at the dead tree in the center of the courtyard. Faramir was right. He had to talk to Kaia before he left, if nothing else to clear the air between them. He wanted to know why she’d left the way she had. 

He sat there a while longer, but then, mindful of how much time had passed, slowly got to his feet and made his way down to the sixth level once more. It most likely would change nothing, but he did want to see Kaia before he left. 

Butterflies went wild as he neared the infirmary, making him feel very much as if he was but a boy about to see the girl he’d been admiring from afar for what seemed like forever. As he reached the doorway leading into the area where he’d left Kaia, he paused on the threshold. All of the anger that had simmered within him since he’d awoken to find her gone had vanished now. His pride had been bruised, but when he thought about it, he couldn't exactly fault her for leaving. After all, he’d made no bones about the fact that he fully intended to leave her. She just beat him to the punch. 

At the same time, though, she made him realize something. He did not like being away from her. In the short time he’d been under her care, in the time that he’d come to know her, he found being apart from her was far worse than even being wounded by the Uruk-hai had been. It wasn't anything he’d ever felt before and if he was completely honest with himself, he wasn't exactly certain what to do with those feelings. Especially knowing she wasn't one to tie herself down. And neither was he.

Or at least, he’d thought he wasn’t. 

“My lord?”

Ioreth’s soft voice broke through his reverie and he started, looking down into her lined faced. Her dark eyes bored through him, just as they had since he was a boy and she always seemed to know when he’d been up to no good. Shaking his head, he managed a slight smile. “I beg your pardon. Doing a bit of woolgathering, I suppose.”

Woolgathering.

Over Ioreth’s shoulder, he could see Kaia’s bed, could see Kaia, and she looked so terribly still that his gut kinked. “Ioreth, the girl I brought in earlier? How did she fare?”

“Miss Kaia? She fares well, actually.” Ioreth twisted to peer over her shoulder, then looked back at him. “I managed to halt the bleeding and I don't think she will lose the arm, although it will be some time before she has full use of it.”

Relief surged through him. “Good.” 

“She’s asked for you.”

His spine stiffened at that. “She did?”

“Yes.”

His mouth went dry as he peered over her shoulder once more. “Did she say anything else?”

“Go and talk to her.”

“Is she awake?”

“No, but she should be soon.” 

With that, Ioreth stepped out of his way, taking away his last barrier to reach Kaia. Swallowing hard against the hammering of his heart and the dots dancing before his eyes, Boromir moved around her, crossing over to Kaia’s bed. As he reached it, one of Ioreth’s helpers brought over a chair for him. 

“Thank you,” he said without thinking, not taking his eyes off Kaia. He’d never seen her so still, her dark red hair spilled beneath her, shining in the afternoon sun. Her fair skin looked paler still, even against the stark white bandage wrapped about her upper arm. 

“Might I fetch you anything, my lord?”

He shook his head. “No, thank you. I’m fine. But, I’d rather not be disturbed, unless my brother comes looking for me.”

“Of course.”

Boromir turned back to Kaia and he gently slipped his hand beneath hers, her palm warm against his. Her fingers tightened briefly about his. He smiled, bringing her hand to his lips to gently brush the backs of her fingers with a light kiss. 

Her lashes were thick black crescents against her pale cheeks, and while he hoped her eyelids would flutter and then open, they stay shut. Her chest rose and fell softly with each breath, and he sank into the chair, her hand still in his. He would remain by her side until she woke, and he was not leaving until he’d had a chance to speak with her.

Until he made things right with her. 

[saucysonnetts]

emily madril vs midge purce (orlando pride vs gotham fc | july 23, 2023) requested by @inmyhead24

[demonfox38]

Completed: Okage: Shadow King

I think the game would prefer to speak for itself.

In my previous game evaluations, you may have seen me mention my best friend classified co-conspirator @jeannettegray. As of writing right now, her avatar on multiple services is this:

This would be an image of Rosalyn, one of the lead characters of today's evaluation. Having been given this knowledge, I bet you can put two and two together to figure out how I ended up playing "Okage: Shadow King." Because, let me tell you. I might be a nut for niche RPGs, but I definitely wouldn't have heard of this title without her influence. So, thanks again, JG!

"Okage: Shadow King" is a 2001 PlayStation 2 turn-based RPG developed by Zener Works. It (arguably) stars Ari, a young boy most known for…well. Nothing. Really! That's his schtick. Not that he doesn't have his own personality, but he's literally overshadowed by a bombastic set of characters hell-bent on taking over the world, reforming it to their desires, or stopping the chaos around them with their own tilted bents. To free his sister from a peculiar curse, Ari forms a pact with Stan, the titular Shadow (Evil) King, traveling around the world and defeating other Evil Kings to restore his power. Along the way, he picks up additional characters (including a handful of said Evil Kings, a dipshit scientist, and a mortified hero) and discovers the true nature of the world, all while finding a way to…well, step out of the shadows of others, I suppose.

Possibly by being the most sarcastic bitch in the world!

Now, if you read "2001", "PlayStation 2", and "RPG" above, you may pre-emptively have come to some conclusions about why this game is so damn niche. I checked the release dates just to confirm our mutual suspicions. This had a two months' head start on "Final Fantasy X" and was released in what appears to be the best month for it to come out (more on that in a bit.) So, I wouldn't say definitively that one game ate the other's supper. But, realistically, it only had a couple of months in the spotlight before went into…you know. Components of its own name.

There is definitely something weird to "Okage: Shadow King." I mean, weird beyond the intended vibes. I did some reading on Zener Works to see exactly what they are, as that's not a company familiar to me. It seems like they had a handful of titles in the late 2000s, as well as some mobile game properties (and a pending lawsuit against another company, if Google Translate was correct on their website.) This game is not only their only PS2 game, but seems to be the only RPG they ever built. Additionally, some general information on Wikipedia claims this was originally intended to be a PlayStation release but was then asked to be moved to the PlayStation 2 literally a day before the console's existence was revealed to the world at large.

I’m bringing up the development history because I don't want you to start playing this game and come to the conclusion that your PlayStation 2 is dying. (I mean, they are frailer than race horses, but it's not the console's fault exclusively that things are acting strangely.)

This isn't to say the game looks bad. Anything but! (Well, I guess there's some general distance fog, occasional camera issues, and Madril's kind of an ugly town, but stick with me here!) Honestly, given the character design for this game, I thought that perhaps there was some creative staff overlap with those that worked on stop-motion film/Hot Topic darling "Nightmare Before Christmas." This doesn't seem to be the case. Somebody in the design team was just a major nerd for that film. Like, blatantly stole the hill from that movie kind of nerd. The design team had their inspiration, and damned if they didn't nail it. So, if you're into the aesthetics of that film in particular, this game is a must play for that alone.

Also, one of the character modelers went on to work on "Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night." You know you've got the charming spooky look nailed when the former design team for several "Castlevania" games wants you in their company!

Honestly, the music is pretty good, too. There's a couple of tracks that go a little too heavy on the use of chanting or bagpipes for my taste, but otherwise? Solid. Also? It reacts to you being inside/outside a building and whether or not you are about to die in battle. Responsive music programming! I love that!

The major attraction for this game is its writing, bar none. It's the world's most sarcastic RPG, and I say that with full affection. Like, all of your dialogue options can be boiled down to good/bad/sarcastic. There's no sane man in this universe. They've all been run down and driven to frothing vengeance by those in manic passion for power. Hell, the only thing that even remotely restores sanity in this game is giving up power.

Even with the game's bombastic nature, it can come out swinging with its plot twists. Like, you'll catch some. Obviously, there's a reason that the girl with demon horns and a pink miniskirt has aspirations for becoming a pop icon. Some seem obvious after the fact, like, "Of course, you can't trust butlers for anything. That's always how it goes!" Even the nature of the world itself will explain some issues you rub up against gameplay-wise. The one that really caught me off-guard was the opening for Chapter 5. Like…I don't want to spoil it for you, so I won't get into it too much. But, let's say the bit with Ari having to stand up for himself and regain some sense of personality and appearance was surprisingly resonant for me.

So, this makes a pretty good YouTube longplay video, especially if you're listening to one sans commentary. How about the game part?

Well…how much do you like "Quest 64?"

Not that the two games are all that alike. (Well, actually, maybe in the good music/character design bit.) But, I bring up my tolerance for "Quest 64" in that I love that game despite its online reputation as being the worst RPG on the Nintendo 64. (I mean, have people even seen the opening cutscene for "Aidyn Chronicles"? JFC.) I have a great deal of tolerance for funky RPGs is what I'm trying to say. For me to call an RPG bad, you'd literally have to present something like "Hoshi wo Miru Hito" to my face. Like, poorly functioning, poor audio, and having no final boss bad.

This is a novice RPG written relatively new into its console's library. It's got issues.

If you're gonna play it, you're going to need to have patience with it.

Looking at how it operates, I suspect the game designers were fans of "Megami Tensei" games (like "Shin Megami Tensei" or possibly the "Persona" series, although the timeline isn't quite the smoothest for the latter.)  At least, the occasional Stan chats prior to combat, the focus on supernatural entities, the enemy abuse of curses, buffing/debuffing importance, and HP consuming moves are screaming that to me. There are some tweaks to it that are odd. For example, characters share a special ability pool (LP) instead of having their own points to spend on special moves or magic. This seems to fluctuate based on who is in your party and how magically gifted they are. There may also be some "Chrono Trigger" influence? Maybe? Possibly? I mean, you've got a party of three that trails you and can join up with you to attack a single target. It feels familiar for a reason.

Also, it's one of those RPGs where you can't trade the main character out of the party. And, if he dies, it's an instant game over. Yep. Like, there's an implied plot reason for why this could be so, but damned if it isn't irritating as hell.

Some of the mechanic focus is strange to me as well. Like, there are several levels of curses (think poison/sleep/confusion/reward penalties), and some of these curses can be stacked multiple times to have more severe effects. Meanwhile, the elemental system is just a triangle. It is also a strange triangle if you think too long about it. It's better just to think blue > red, yellow > blue, red > yellow instead of wondering how exactly fire defeats lightning and how ice works almost opposite to every other RPG on the planet. It also has a distribution issue both within your party and the monster populace at large. Like, you only get one fire elemental guy. But, to compensate for this, most of your cast will learn spells to cover the elements that they aren't. And then, it seems like there's not the most even balance of enemies out there, anyway? Like, it seemed mostly blue/red early on, with yellow appearing towards the end to be a pain in the ass. I don't know. It was weird. Like, "Fire Emblem" handing you so many sword dudes when there are so few axes to grind and more spears to dodge. It could be personal bias, but you know that feeling, right? Not as rough as taking a fire starter in Pokémon, but maybe taking a water starter.

Pacing is also a weird issue in this game. Like, there are some dungeons where you step one foot into and can win instantly, and others that require grinding for 10 levels. Your party member pool is strapped to the same three people for almost half of the game. (Trust me when I say you want Kisling out ASAP. Dude's a creep and a dud.) Hell, in trying to get my party evened out to level 60 for use in the final dungeon, I accidentally ended up gaining, like, 37 levels for the main character. Also, Chapters 4 and 5 seem to be significantly bloated, with a great deal of fighting taking place in or around the second town. It's like, blink and Chapters 1 and 6 are gone. Very odd.

So, okay. I've got a few creative differences with the dev team. What I really don't get is how the loading issues, audio volume multiplier, and save erasing bug made it into the wild. Like, I know. Novice game made by inexperienced team on new hardware. But, c'mon. Sony had a QA team on this. They had to pick this up.  

What's frustrating about these items is that I could see both how to fix them and how they just weren't fixed. Like…

The game loads fine when it's one large horizontal map. The loading issues come into play with more multi-roomed environments like homes, dungeons, and towns. Other games work around this by having multiple chunks on one map, then teleporting the player around as they enter and exit spaces. Or, hell, implement a visibility flag and turn that on/off as needed. Could the maps not be congealed, for some reason? Couldn't someone at least give the player a loading screen so I’m not sitting there wondering if my PlayStation 2 is having optical drive issues?

The audio volume multiplier is a weird event where a single sound is being played many times, usually when multiple of the same attacks or spells land at once. All that requires to fix, theoretically, would be implementing a volume maximum to not be played over, then making that volume be whatever the default value for the base sound is.

I saw the save erasing bug happen a whopping 3 times over 40 hours of gameplay, and I had been rotating my saves like a good girl. So, it wasn't something I couldn't recover from. But, holy shit. No. Absolutely not. That could have been real bad. Like, I can only guess what's happening here, but it seems like a file is being purposefully deleted before some new file is written in its place (as opposed to some file updating process) and that the writing process subsequently screws up. This would prevent bad progress flags from being recorded, I suppose, but the opposing situation of losing an entire damn file isn't pleasant, either.  

Considering how much dicking around the publishers asked for in getting this game on the PlayStation 2, I'm going to assume that they're also to blame for these issues getting out. As in, "Well, we've got to ship this by October!" and wham! Bugs pressed.

Even with all of the quirks to the game, it's not the hardest RPG to get through. About the roughest time I had was with Big Bull, and the troubles there involved dealing with Ari dying in two hits and Kisling just generally being unhelpful. Honestly, most of the problems in the game can be solved by ganging up on weak enemies and having a dedicated healing item spammer. (Healing items are super cheap, so might as well cram as many as you can in your pockets!) The rest is just talking to as many people as you can and reading as many signs as possible.

Also, here. Just take this video guide on gear locations. Life is short; don't trouble yourself with something as silly as gear hunting blindly. (At least it's not as silly of a side quest as dodging lightning 100 times or learning a new sport!)

I feel a little bad for coming down on "Okage" as hard as I did at the end. It's funny, thought provoking, and respectful of the player's time. For as fresh and different as it is, I'd play this over several contemporary members of its library. But, for some of its quirks, it does require a little patience. You've just got to know whether or not you've got that on hand.  

Frankly, for its price, "Okage: Shadow King" is quite the bargain, too. Hell, it's even available on the PlayStation store! Can't argue with the fair distribution it has in a modern market.

And, hey! Now I know more about JG's icon! So, it's always nice to have some additional context, especially when characters and stories are important to your friends. But, I do have to wonder how Rosalyn won over Stan for that place of honor. I mean, other than by being classified as a hero.

Then again, it might be a little disturbing being followed by something like this online.